FLETCHER (born Cari Elise Fletcher) began her musical journey with a deep passion for songwriting and performing. Her early work reflects a raw, stripped-back approach that explores themes of identity, love, and personal struggle. Her first releases leaned more heavily into the folk and acoustic pop genres, with emotionally driven lyrics and a melancholic, intimate sound. While these early tracks showcased her storytelling ability, they also set the stage for the much larger musical evolution that would soon follow.

One of FLETCHER’s first notable releases was ‘War Paint’ in 2015, a track that served as a prelude to her emotional honesty in future work. The song tells the story of the psychological toll of keeping up appearances in a relationship, with FLETCHER singing about the figurative ‘war paint’ she wears to protect herself. It’s an exploration of the masks people wear to protect their vulnerable selves from the harshness of reality and the emotional armour we build around our hearts. From the outset, it was clear that FLETCHER was interested in exposing the complexities of human emotion.

In 2017, FLETCHER released another early standout, ‘You Should Talk’, a track that would set the stage for her transition into the pop-rock world. ‘You Should Talk’ is a bold, upbeat anthem that confronts the messy complexities of a relationship and the power dynamics at play within it. The song’s premise revolves around confronting the tension between honesty and silence—specifically, the moments when people need to speak up, yet hold back from addressing their feelings or the truth. It plays with the idea of avoiding direct confrontation and, instead, relying on subtle passive-aggressive tactics to express dissatisfaction. At this stage in her career, FLETCHER was honing her ability to mix emotionally charged songwriting with more mainstream pop sensibilities. The song has an energetic, infectious melody, with layers of bright guitars and punchy percussion that create an atmosphere of tension and release. It’s catchy and fun, but also speaks to the frustrations of navigating relationships, where unspoken feelings often create more confusion than clarity.

‘You Should Talk’ is a bold, upbeat anthem that confronts the messy complexities of a relationship and the power dynamics at play within it.

In 2019, FLETCHER made a bold leap into the mainstream pop scene with the release of ‘Undrunk,’ a single that would mark a turning point in her career. The song quickly garnered attention for its infectious melody, catchy chorus, and emotionally resonant lyrics. ‘Undrunk’ explores the feeling of being emotionally numb and disconnected after a breakup—attempting to find clarity while still dealing with the remnants of a past relationship. This track is much more upbeat and polished compared to her earlier work, which featured stripped-down acoustic arrangements. The production features a mixture of electronic beats, layered synths, and vibrant guitar riffs, signalling FLETCHER’s shift toward a more pop-rock sound that was both radio-friendly and emotionally intense.

With ‘Undrunk,’ FLETCHER revealed her ability to craft catchy pop tunes while maintaining the emotional depth and honesty that defined her earlier releases. The track quickly became relatable for anyone who has struggled with the aftermath of a breakup. What was particularly striking about ‘Undrunk’ was its honest portrayal of post-breakup confusion. While many breakup songs focus on the pain or anger that follows, FLETCHER’s take on the situation was different—she expressed the strange emptiness that comes with trying to numb oneself from heartbreak. The song’s vulnerability, paired with its upbeat tempo, made it both relatable and empowering, something that many listeners could latch onto.

Following the success of ‘Undrunk,’ FLETCHER continued to evolve both musically and thematically. Her sound expanded even further, incorporating elements of indie pop, electronic beats, and layered vocal arrangements. The themes in her music also shifted toward self-empowerment, identity, and embracing individuality. Songs like ‘If You’re Gonna Lie’ (2019) and ‘Bitter’ (2020) built on the foundation laid by ‘Undrunk,’ but with even more confidence and anthemic energy.

With ‘Undrunk,’ FLETCHER revealed her ability to craft catchy pop tunes while maintaining the emotional depth and honesty that defined her earlier releases.

‘If You’re Gonna Lie’ is a track about reclaiming power in a relationship that has become toxic. FLETCHER sings about setting boundaries and demanding respect, a message that resonated with anyone who had ever been involved in an unhealthy dynamic. The combination of bold lyrics and infectious melodies made this song not only a personal anthem but a song that could easily be shouted from the rooftops in moments of defiance.

In ‘Bitter,’ FLETCHER takes on the complexities of love and heartbreak with a more visceral tone. The song mixes a pop-rock sensibility with an edgy, almost grunge-like production, illustrating how bitterness can linger long after a relationship ends. The track is a cathartic release, offering listeners a space to air their frustrations. Its driving beat and infectious chorus made it a fan favourite, demonstrating FLETCHER’s skill at crafting songs that are not only emotionally resonant but also musically dynamic.

But it wasn’t all about heartache or empowerment. FLETCHER also ventured into more introspective territory, grappling with personal growth and the journey of discovering who she truly is. ‘Forever’ (2020) is a poignant example of this shift, as FLETCHER delves into the lingering feelings that remain after a relationship, questioning how some people can leave a permanent mark on your heart. The song’s slower pace and atmospheric production allowed FLETCHER to showcase her vocal range, which had developed significantly since her early days as an acoustic artist. In ‘Forever,’ she strikes a balance between emotional depth and musical maturity, offering a reflection on the idea of eternal love in the face of inevitable change.

One of FLETCHER’s most defining moments as an artist came in 2021 with the release of ‘Girls Girls Girls’, a song that celebrates bisexuality, self-expression, and sexual freedom. It was not only a musical statement but also a powerful declaration of FLETCHER’s identity as a queer artist. The track features a playful, upbeat production, blending elements of pop and indie with a carefree energy. The lyrics are cheeky and bold, celebrating the joy and excitement of exploring one’s identity without the constraints of societal expectations. FLETCHER’s bold declaration in this song was a powerful moment of self-expression, but what made it even more impactful was the subtle yet notable interpolation of Katy Perry’s 2008 breakout hit, ‘I Kissed a Girl’.

The lyrics [of ‘Girls Girls Girls’] are cheeky and bold, celebrating the joy and excitement of exploring one’s identity without the constraints of societal expectations.

In 2022, FLETCHER continued to push her musical boundaries with the release of her album Girl of My Dreams, which further explored the themes of self-love, personal growth, and healing. This album marked a significant shift toward more introspective themes, as FLETCHER navigated the challenges of letting go of toxic relationships and finding peace within herself. The album is a sonic journey through heartbreak, emotional healing, and ultimately, self-empowerment. It’s an exploration of the complexities of love—both for others and for oneself.

Following the release of her highly successful debut album Girl of My Dreams in 2022, FLETCHER wasted little time in pushing the boundaries of her artistry with her 2024 project In Search of the Antidote. The album, released on March 23, 2024, marked a significant evolution in FLETCHER’s musical style and thematic exploration. Not only did it build upon the emotional depth and vulnerability showcased in her debut album, but it also presented a darker, more introspective side of FLETCHER, dealing with themes of self-healing, existential questions, and navigating a complicated personal journey. Two standout tracks from the project, ‘Doing Better’ and ‘Eras of Us,’ exemplify FLETCHER’s ability to capture the raw emotional conflict of navigating love, loss, and self-improvement.

‘Doing Better’ is a fierce anthem for anyone who has tried to move on from heartbreak, only to discover that healing isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The track is a deep dive into the paradox of personal growth: while outward success and self-improvement may appear to provide relief, they often come with a hidden cost. The sparse arrangement allows FLETCHER’s raw vocals to take centre stage, pulling the listener into her emotional world. The blend of electronic beats and atmospheric synths contributes to the sense of isolation that permeates the song, highlighting the emotional distance that often comes with trying to move on.

[In Search of the Antidote] marked a significant evolution in FLETCHER’s musical style and thematic exploration

In stark contrast to the emotional complexity of ‘Doing Better,’ ‘Eras of Us’ offers a deeply nostalgic reflection on a past relationship, exploring the cyclical nature of love and loss. The track also serves as a tribute to the idea of “eras” in relationships—distinct phases that, while fleeting, remain etched in memory. Here, she embraces the chaos and intensity of love and loss, acknowledging her need for emotional highs, even if they lead to pain. It’s a moment of self-awareness and acceptance, as FLETCHER recognises that she craves the rollercoaster of emotions, even though it often leads to heartache. The production of ‘Eras of Us’ complements its emotional themes, with lush synths and a driving beat that mirrors the song’s ebb and flow of intensity. The production builds during the chorus, amplifying the sense of longing and nostalgia, while the verses maintain a more subdued and reflective tone. The contrast between the quiet verses and the explosive chorus mirrors the emotional journey of the song, capturing both the calm before the storm and the overwhelming rush of feelings when confronted with the past.

Whether confronting the messy reality of healing or reminiscing about past loves, FLETCHER’s work offers a sense of catharsis and comfort to those who see their own experiences reflected in her lyrics. Her raw and unapologetic authenticity is what makes her music resonate on such a deep level, and it’s clear that FLETCHER’s story is far from finished—her next chapter is sure to be as emotionally complex and sonically innovative as the ones before it.